The people of Christianity have clung to literal interpretation of the
statement in the Gospel that Christ came from heaven. The Jews, likewise,
at the time of His manifestation held to outward and visible expectation
of the fulfillment of the prophecies. They said, "The Messiah shall appear
from heaven. This man came from Nazareth; we know his house; we know his
parents and people. It is only hearsay that he descended from heaven; this
cannot be proved."
The text of the Gospel states that He came from heaven although physically
born of the mother. The meaning is that the divine reality of Christ was
from heaven, but the body was born of Mary. Therefore, He came according
to the prophecies of the Holy Book and, likewise, according to natural
law--His reality from heaven, His body earthly. As He came before, so must
He come this time in the same way. But some arise with objections, saying,
"We must have literal proof of this through the senses."
The reality of Christ was always in heaven and will always be. This is the
intention of the text of the Gospel. For while Jesus Christ walked upon
the earth, He said, "The Son of Man is in heaven." Therefore, holding to
literal interpretation and visible fulfillment of the text of the Holy
Books is simply imitation of ancestral forms and beliefs; for when we
perceive the reality of Christ, these texts and statements become clear
and perfectly reconcilable with each other. Unless we perceive reality, we
cannot understand the meanings of the Holy Books, for these meanings are
symbolical and spiritual--such as, for instance, the raising of Lazarus,
which has spiritual interpretation. We must first establish the fact that
the power of God is infinite, unlimited, and that it is within that power
to accomplish anything.
Second, we must understand the interpretation of Christ's words concerning
the dead. A certain disciple came to Christ and asked permission to go and
bury his father. He answered, "Let the dead bury their dead." Therefore,
Christ designated as dead some who were still living--that is, let the
living dead, the spiritually dead, bury your father. They were dead
because they were not believers in Christ. Although physically alive, they
were dead spiritually. This is the meaning of Christ's words, "That which
is born of flesh is flesh; and that which is born of Spirit is spirit." He
meant that those who were simply born of the human body were dead
spiritually, while those quickened by the breaths of the Holy Spirit were
living and eternally alive. These are the interpretations of Christ
Himself. Reflect upon them, and the meanings of the Holy Books will become
clear as the sun at midday.
The Holy Books have their special terminologies which must be known and
understood. Physicians have their own peculiar terms; architects,
philosophers have their characteristic expressions; poets have their
phrases; and scientists, their nomenclature. In the scripture we read that
Zion is dancing. It is evident that this has other than literal
interpretation. The meaning is that the people of Zion shall rejoice. The
Jews said Christ was not the Messiah but Antichrist, because one of the
signs of the Messiah's coming was the dancing of Mount Zion, which had not
yet come to pass. In reality, when Christ appeared, not only Mount Zion
but all Palestine danced and rejoiced. Again in scriptures it is said,
"The trees of the field shall clap their hands." This is symbolical. There
are terms and expressions of usage in every language which cannot be taken
literally. For instance, in oriental countries it is customary to say,
"When my friend entered the house, the doors and walls began to sing and
dance." In Persia they say, "Get at the head," meaning engage in the
matter according to its own terms and usages. All these have other and
inner meanings.
You have asked concerning approval of Christian Science treatment and
healing. Spirit has influence; prayer has spiritual effect. Therefore, we
pray, "O God! Heal this sick one!" Perchance God will answer. Does it
matter who prays? God will answer the prayer of every servant if that
prayer is urgent. His mercy is vast, illimitable. He answers the prayers
of all His servants. He answers the prayer of this plant. The plant prays
potentially, "O God! Send me rain!" God answers the prayer, and the plant
grows. God will answer anyone. He answers prayers potentially. Before we
were born into this world did we not pray, "O God! Give me a mother; give
me two fountains of bright milk; purify the air for my breathing; grant me
rest and comfort; prepare food for my sustenance and living"? Did we not
pray potentially for these needed blessings before we were created? When
we came into this world, did we not find our prayers answered? Did we not
find mother, father, food, light, home and every other necessity and
blessing, although we did not actually ask for them? Therefore, it is
natural that God will give to us when we ask Him. His mercy is
all-encircling.
But we ask for things which the divine wisdom does not desire for us, and
there is no answer to our prayer. His wisdom does not sanction what we
wish. We pray, "O God! Make me wealthy!" If this prayer were universally
answered, human affairs would be at a standstill. There would be none left
to work in the streets, none to till the soil, none to build, none to run
the trains. Therefore, it is evident that it would not be well for us if
all prayers were answered. The affairs of the world would be interfered
with, energies crippled and progress hindered. But whatever we ask for
which is in accord with divine wisdom, God will answer. Assuredly!
For instance, a very feeble patient may ask the doctor to give him food
which would be positively dangerous to his life and condition. He may beg
for roast meat. The doctor is kind and wise. He knows it would be
dangerous to his patient so he refuses to allow it. The doctor is
merciful; the patient, ignorant. Through the doctor's kindness the patient
recovers; his life is saved. Yet the patient may cry out that the doctor
is unkind, not good, because he refuses to answer his pleading.
God is merciful. In His mercy He answers the prayers of all His servants
when according to His supreme wisdom it is necessary.
6 August 1912
Talk at Home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons
Dublin, New Hampshire